Pryor scores on a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter. He also had two TD passes in his debut as a starting quarterback.

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

Pryor scores on a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter. He also had two...

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Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor, right, looks for room to run against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Photo: Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor, right, looks for room...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Terrelle Pryor #6 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball against the San Diego Chargers on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Terrelle Pryor #6 of the Oakland...

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San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner yells at line judge Rusty Baynes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. The incident occurred after an altercation between players led to the ejection of the Chargers' Takeo Spikes. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Photo: Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner yells at line judge Rusty...

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San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Takeo Spikes, left, is restrained by teammate Randy McMichael during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. Takeo had just been ejected from the game. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Photo: Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Takeo Spikes, left, is...

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San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner yells at line judge Rusty Baynes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. The incident occurred after an altercation between players led to the ejection of the Chargers' Takeo Spikes and Raiders' Mike Goodson. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Photo: Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner yells at line judge Rusty...

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San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Takeo Spikes, left, throws his helmet as he is restrained by teammate Randy McMichael during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. Takeo had just been ejected from the game. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater, front, can't hold on to a pass in the end zone as San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

San Diego Chargers perform during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

San Diego Chargers perform during the first half of an NFL football...

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Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (6) tries to get past the defense of San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Takeo Spikes (51) during the second half of an NFL football Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (6) tries to get past...

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Oakland Raiders fans cheer during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

Oakland Raiders fans cheer during the first half of an NFL football...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Terrelle Pryor #6 of the Oakland Raiders slides in for a touchdown in front of Marcus Gilchrist #38 of the San Diego Chargers to trail 24-21 during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on December 30, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Photo: Harry How, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Terrelle Pryor #6 of the Oakland...

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U.S. Marines hold flags on the field before the San Diego Chargers play the Oakland Raiders in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Photo: Gregory Bull, Associated Press

U.S. Marines hold flags on the field before the San Diego Chargers...

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Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater, right, hauls in a pass as San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer looks on during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Photo: Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater, right, hauls in a pass...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Quentin Jammer #23 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after catching an interception against the Oakland Raiders on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Quentin Jammer #23 of the San Diego...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Danario Alexander #84 of the San Diego Chargers catches the ball while being covered by Brandian Ross #29 of the Oakland Raiders on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Danario Alexander #84 of the San Diego...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Danario Alexander #84 of the San Diego Chargers catches the ball against the Oakland Raiders on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Danario Alexander #84 of the San Diego...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Quentin Jammer #23 of the San Diego Chargers intercepts the ball from Darrius Heyward-Bey #85 of the Oakland Raiders on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Quentin Jammer #23 of the San Diego...

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San Diego Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander, left, runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown as Oakland Raiders free safety Matt Giordano (27) tries to push him out of bounds during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander, left, runs the...

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San Diego Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander, right, grabs a pass on his way to a touchdown as Oakland Raiders cornerback Brandian Ross, left, can't reach him during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Photo: Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander, right, grabs a...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Micheal Spurlock #87 of the San Diego Chargers is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Micheal Spurlock #87 of the San Diego...

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San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason, right, gets a hand on a pass to Oakland Raiders tight end Brandon Myers to break up the pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason, right, gets a hand on...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers throws the ball against the Oakland Raiders on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers warms up before the game against the Oakland Raiders on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Jamiza Olawale #49, Jack Crawford #91and Omar Gaither #53 of the Oakland Raiders walk down the tunnel before the game against the San Diego Chargers on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Jamiza Olawale #49, Jack Crawford...

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Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey motions to the officials after a touchdown catch in the end zone against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Photo: Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey motions to the...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Dennis Allen of the Oakland Raiders walks on to the field before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 30, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Photo: Harry How, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Dennis Allen of the...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Darius Heyward-Bey #85 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates scoring a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Darius Heyward-Bey #85 of the Oakland...

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San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates rolls after scoring a touchdown as Oakland Raiders strong safety Mike Mitchell, right, looks back during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates rolls after scoring a...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders is tackeld by Bront Bird #97, Corey Liuget #94 and Demorrio Williams #58 of the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 30, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Photo: Harry How, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland...

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Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater, front, can't hold on to a pass in the end zone as San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders makes a one handed catch during a 24-21 loss to the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 30, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Photo: Harry How, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball against the San Diego Chargers on December 30, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland...

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Oakland Raiders punt returner Coye Francies (31) jumps over San Diego Chargers cornerback Marcus Gilchrist, below, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

Oakland Raiders punt returner Coye Francies (31) jumps over San...

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Brandon Myers #83 of the Oakland Raiders has a catch broken up by Antoine Cason #20 of the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 30, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Photo: Harry How, Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Brandon Myers #83 of the Oakland...

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Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden runs upfield against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

While other teams were securing playoff spots and seeds, the Raiders clinched the No. 3 spot in the NFL draft Sunday, with a 24-21 loss to the Chargers on a soggy field at Qualcomm Stadium. It was the most exciting thing Oakland fans have seen for a while.

Though the Raiders lost for the eighth time in nine games, they did it in frantic fashion, with Terrelle Pryor making his first start at quarterback. The second-year player, who had been on the field for only six plays before Sunday, was all over the place - even the end zone. He had a hand in all three touchdowns, the most Oakland (4-12) has scored since Nov. 4.

Pryor, who beat out Matt Leinart for the start after Carson Palmer went down with cracked ribs, said he was "sad for Raider Nation" about the loss.

But ...

"I had a great time out there," he said. "There were a lot of throws that I wish I had back, but I'm going to walk out with my chin up."

Pryor's second touchdown pass, a 5-yarder to Denarius Moore, cut the Raiders' deficit to three points, 24-21 with 1:52 left, after they had been down 17. The score was set up by a blocked punt by Coye Francies that Kaelin Burnett recovered at the 11.

Oakland's rally fell short, as Michael Spurlock recovered the onside kick for the Chargers and they kneeled out the clock.

Pryor finished 13-for-28 (with at least three drops) for 150 yards passing, two touchdowns and an interception, and had 49 yards and one TD rushing on nine runs, mostly scrambles.

Raiders fans again did their part. If they weren't most of the crowd of 66,486, they were definitely louder than San Diego fans.

Though some of those fans and those watching at home might think Pryor made enough plays to challenge Palmer for the starting job next season, head coach Dennis Allen tried to pop that balloon before it got too big.

Asked if he thought that Pryor earned the chance to play next year, Allen said - essentially - not really.

"I think he earned the chance (for) us to evaluate him some more," he said. "That was a good first step in that direction."

The Raiders played Pryor over Leinart because they wanted to evaluate Pryor for next year - not as a possible starter, but as a possible backup.

"He obviously provided a little spark," Allen said. "The athleticism was good. At times, he threw the ball really well. I think there were a few accuracy issues.

"With Terrelle, with any young quarterback, you take a little bit of the good with the bad. Overall, I thought, not bad."

After Spurlock opened the game with a 99-yard kickoff return and the Chargers later led 10-0, Pryor drove the Raiders 80 yards. He then broke a 10-quarter touchdown drought (six with Palmer, four with Leinart) with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey three minutes into the second quarter.

"All week in practice, he calmed down and was able to utter the plays in the huddle," tackle Khalif Barnes said. "He was never rattled today. I am pleased with the kid."

Although Pryor and the Raiders had more yards than Philip Rivers and the Chargers, Rivers picked his spots and did enough to win. He finished 13-for-17 for 151 yards, and his touchdown passes to Antonio Gates in the second quarter and Danario Alexander in the third quarter put the game out reach. Just barely, but out of reach.

With the Raiders down 24-7, Pryor scored on a 3-yard run with 7:43 left in the fourth quarter. It was a nice play on which Oakland faked a run right, and Pryor took off left for the end zone. And it raised the question again: Why hasn't a team that has struggled to score not used Pryor all season in the red zone?

Pryor was able to scramble and buy time, and on his touchdown to Moore late in the game, he ran right, drew a crowd and threw into the middle of the field to Moore.

"That was a heck of a football play," Allen said.

Pryor - who asked reporters for an honest evaluation of how he played - did a good job of getting the team out of the huddle and the ball snapped, and didn't have any delay-of-game penalties. His biggest mistakes were throwing a late high-arcer on an interception in the end zone, and staying inbounds on a run at the end of the half when the Raiders could have tried a 58-yard field goal.

On that last one, he was simply trying to make a play - something he said was easier to do than he thought.

"Once you have your first two reads and nothing is open, I didn't realize in this game, in the NFL, that it's just wide open and you can make plays," Pryor said. "That was very surprising to me. I am smiling and happy about that.

"If nothing is there, instead of throwing incomplete or getting it batted down, I know I can go make a play."

And if nothing is there in a 4-12 season, Pryor at least made fans smile a couple of times in the season finale.